Albany officials discuss efforts to improve public safety

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The city of Albany released updated public safety numbers ahead of the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday. City officials said the largest decrease in crime is motor vehicle thefts.

So far, the number of thefts is down 40 percent from this time last year. The Albany police chief said one area for concern is the number of homicides so far this year.

There have been five homicides in 2024 compared to just one in 2023. Officials are hoping the new 911 dispatch center that opened in the city will help lower crime.

"This will actually increase our operational efficiency so we can best serve the needs of the public. It also serves as a much needed boost to moral for our hard working communication dispatchers and will no doubt assist recruitment efforts for future employees."

The dispatch center funding was first announced in Mayor Kathy Sheehan's 2023 State of the City address.